🎄 NEW YEAR TOUR ALONG THE BLACK SEA COAST 2027
Tour Detail
🎄 NEW YEAR TOUR TO THE BLACK SEA COAST 2027
*📅 December 30, 2026 – January 3, 2027*
*🌙 3 days / 2 nights in the hotel*
*🏨 5★ Rize Babillon Hotel & Spa*
*♨️ Free: Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room and fitness center*
*🎉 New Year's Eve party in a separate hall for our group only*
### 🗺️ ROUTE OF OUR JOURNEY
Ziga – Sumela Monastery – Rize – Fırtına Valley – historic arched Çınçiva Bridge – Zilkale Fortress – Çat Valley – Palovit Waterfall / Elevit Plateau – Ayder Plateau – Uzungöl Lake – Sürmene.
We invite you to welcome the New Year 2027 among majestic mountains, picturesque valleys, historical sights and snowy landscapes of the Black Sea region of Turkey!
Together with Caretta Turizm, we will set off on an exciting journey from the Ziga mountains and the ancient Sumela Monastery to the Fırtına Valley, Ayder Plateau, Uzungöl Lake and the town of Sürmene.
On New Year's Eve, we will have our own festive program in a separate hall, and on January 1 everyone can choose to relax at the hotel or travel to the most beautiful mountain places of the region.
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## 🚌 DAY 1 | DECEMBER 30, 2026, WEDNESDAY
### TAŞUCU – SİLİFKE – MERSİN – DEPARTURE TO THE BLACK SEA
*📍 DEPARTURE TIMES*
- *19:30 – Taşucu*
- *19:45 – Silifke*
- *20:00 – Atakent*
- *20:30 – Erdemli*
- *20:40 – Arpaçbahşiş / Tömük*
- *20:50 – Çeşmeli*
- *21:00 – Mezitli / Mersin*
After picking up participants at the designated points, we set off on a comfortable tourist bus toward the Black Sea region.
Rest stops for meals and personal needs are scheduled along the way.
During the overnight journey, we will cross the Taurus Mountains and Central Anatolia, gradually approaching the picturesque Black Sea coast.
*🌙 Overnight travel by bus.*
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## 🌄 DAY 2 | DECEMBER 31, 2026, THURSDAY
### BREAKFAST IN ZIGA – SUMELA MONASTERY – RIZE – NEW YEAR'S EVE
### 🏔️ ZIGA MOUNTAINS AND TRADITIONAL BREAKFAST
Upon arrival in the Black Sea region, we continue our journey among the majestic Ziga mountains.
Ziga is one of the well-known mountainous districts of the Eastern Black Sea region, famous for its dense forests, high peaks and beautiful winter landscapes.
Here we will stop for *a traditional local breakfast, which is already included in the tour price*.
After breakfast, if weather and road conditions allow, we will make a stop for panoramic photos.
### ⛪ SUMELA MONASTERY
After breakfast, we head to the Altındere Valley, where the famous Sumela Monastery is built into steep cliffs.
This historic monastery complex is located in the Maçka district of Trabzon province.
*A little history*
According to tradition, the monastery was founded in the 4th century by two monks – Barnabas and Sophronius.
For centuries it was an important religious and cultural center.
The monastery is situated at an altitude of about 1150 meters above sea level and rises roughly 300 meters above the valley.
The complex includes a rock church, chapels, monastic quarters, a library, a kitchen and historic frescoes.
Of particular interest are the wall paintings with biblical scenes and the unusual architecture of the monastery.
Sumela is included on UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites and is considered one of the most important historical attractions of the Black Sea region.
During the excursion, we will learn about the history of the monastery, enjoy views of the Altındere Valley and take beautiful photographs.
In winter, visiting the monastery depends on weather conditions, road conditions and the official opening schedule.
### 🏨 CHECK-IN AT THE 5★ RIZE BABILLON HOTEL & SPA
After visiting Sumela Monastery, we travel through Trabzon to Rize.
Our hotel, *5★ Babillon Hotel & Spa*, is located in the İyidere district, directly on the shore of the Black Sea.
We will settle into comfortable rooms.
Free time for rest and preparation for the New Year's Eve party.
### 🎄 NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY FOR OUR GROUP ONLY
*🍽️ DINNER AT THE HOTEL*
On the evening of December 31, dinner awaits us in the hotel restaurant.
*🎶 OUR OWN MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM*
After dinner, we will gather *in a separate hall provided exclusively for the Caretta Turizm group* and independently organize the New Year celebration.
We will dance, have fun, listen to Turkish and Russian music and welcome the New Year together!
*🥂 YOU MAY BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS AND SNACKS!*
With the permission of the hotel administration, participants in our group may bring their own alcoholic beverages and snacks (meze) and consume them during our festive evening.
Everyone can prepare their favorite drinks and snacks in advance to their own taste.
*🎉 LET'S WELCOME 2027 TOGETHER!*
To festive music, dancing and the New Year countdown, we will welcome 2027 in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
*🏨 Night at the 5★ Rize Babillon Hotel & Spa — first night.*
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## ❄️ DAY 3 | JANUARY 1, 2027, FRIDAY
### FIRTINA VALLEY – ÇINÇIVA BRIDGE – ZİLKALE FORTRESS – ÇAT VALLEY – PALOVİT / ELEVİT – AYDER PLATEAU
We greet the first morning of the new year among the beautiful Black Sea landscapes.
After breakfast at the hotel, we offer participants two options for the day.
### ♨️ OPTION 1 — FREE SPA AND RELAXATION AT THE HOTEL
Those who prefer to spend the first day of the new year calmly may stay at the hotel and use the shared SPA areas for free.
*Free facilities of Babillon Hotel & Spa*
*♨️ Turkish hammam:* A traditional Turkish bath atmosphere for relaxation and recreation.
*🔥 Sauna:* An opportunity to enjoy time in the sauna.
*💨 Steam room:* Relaxation in the steam zone of the SPA complex.
*🏋️ Fitness center:* For guests who wish to exercise.
Use of the shared SPA areas is free of charge. Individual personal services and special treatments may be paid separately.
### 🏔️ OPTION 2 — EXCURSION TO THE MOUNTAIN VALLEYS AND PLATEAUS, INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
*🕙 Departure: approximately 10:00 to 10:30*
After breakfast, participants who chose the excursion set off to get acquainted with the natural beauty of the region.
### 🌊 FIRTINA VALLEY
The first stop is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of the Black Sea region, the Fırtına Valley.
During the trip along the mountain Fırtına River, we will be accompanied by dense forests, high mountains, historic stone bridges and picturesque landscapes.
We will make photo stops in suitable places.
### 🌉 HISTORIC ARCHED ÇINÇIVA BRIDGE (ŞENYUVA)
We head to the historic settlement of Şenyuva, also known by its old name, Çınçiva.
Here stands the famous stone arched bridge over the Fırtına River.
The bridge and the surrounding traditional houses create one of the most recognizable landscapes of the region.
A stop for a walk and photos is planned.
### 🏰 ZİLKALE FORTRESS
After Çınçiva, we head to the historic Zilkale Fortress, rising on cliffs above the Fırtına Valley.
The medieval fortress is known for its impressive location and architecture.
We will stop for photos and, if weather conditions are favorable and access is available, visit its interior grounds.
### 🏞️ ÇAT VALLEY
We continue our journey through the Çat Valley, located at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains.
This area is famous for its mountain rivers, forests, traditional villages and picturesque scenery.
Stops at beautiful viewpoints are planned along the way.
### 💦 PALOVİT WATERFALL OR 🏔️ ELEVİT PLATEAU
Depending on the weather, road conditions and time, one of two options is chosen.
*Palovit Waterfall*
Located in the Kaçkar Mountains National Park area, Palovit Waterfall is known for its powerful water flow and the surrounding forest landscapes.
If the route is accessible, we will stop at the observation point.
*Elevit Plateau*
Elevit is a picturesque mountain plateau known for its traditional houses, high-altitude scenery and natural beauty.
In winter, access may be restricted, so a visit is possible only under safe road conditions.
### ❄️ AYDER PLATEAU
One of the most beautiful places of our journey is the famous Ayder Plateau.
It is located at an altitude of about 1350 meters at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains.
In winter, snow-covered houses, forests and mountain peaks create a special fairy-tale atmosphere here.
*On the Ayder Plateau, we will enjoy:*
- A view of the Gelintülü Waterfall
- Photos against the winter mountains
- Walks and free time
- The opportunity to have tea or coffee in local cafés
- Getting acquainted with the nature of the Eastern Black Sea region
After the excursion, we return in the evening to our hotel in Rize.
*🏨 Night at the 5★ Babillon Hotel & Spa — second night.*
*✅ The January 1 excursion and the minibus transfers needed for it are included in the tour price.*
Visits to Zilkale, Çat Valley, Palovit Waterfall and Elevit Plateau depend on weather and road conditions. If necessary, the route may be changed.
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## 🌲 DAY 4 | JANUARY 2, 2027, SATURDAY
### UZUNGÖL – KNIFE WORKSHOP IN SÜRMENE – TEA FACTORY – RETURN JOURNEY
After breakfast, we check out of the rooms and head to Uzungöl Lake.
### 🏞️ UZUNGÖL LAKE
We arrive at Uzungöl, located in the Çaykara district of Trabzon province.
The lake is surrounded by high mountains, dense forests and picturesque natural landscapes.
It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Black Sea region.
We will have time to stroll along the lake, admire the winter scenery and take photos.
If weather and road conditions allow, we will stop at panoramic viewpoints.
### 🔪 TRADITIONAL KNIFE WORKSHOP IN SÜRMENE
After Uzungöl, we head to Sürmene.
This district is famous for its centuries-old traditions of handmade knife making.
During the visit to the workshop, we will learn about the features of producing traditional Sürmene knives.
Those who wish can purchase items from local craftsmen.
### 🍃 TEA FACTORY VISIT
Tea is one of the main symbols of Turkey's Black Sea region.
During the visit to the tea factory, we will learn about the processing and packaging of tea.
Time is provided for tasting and purchasing local products.
After completing the program, we set off on the return journey toward Mersin, Silifke and Taşucu.
*🌙 Overnight travel by bus.*
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## 🏡 DAY 5 | JANUARY 3, 2027, SUNDAY
### RETURN TO MERSIN – SİLİFKE – TAŞUCU
During the return drive, necessary rest and personal stops are planned.
*🕙 Estimated arrival in Taşucu: 10:00–11:00.*
Participants living in Mersin, Erdemli and Silifke will be dropped off at the respective points along the route.
Arrival time may change depending on weather, traffic conditions and mandatory driver rest stops.
We return home with wonderful memories of our New Year journey!
Until we meet again with Caretta Turizm!
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## 🏨 OUR HOTEL — 5★ RIZE BABILLON HOTEL & SPA
*📅 Check-in:* December 31, 2026
*📅 Check-out:* January 2, 2027
*🌙 Stay:* 2 nights
The five-star Babillon Hotel & Spa is located in the İyidere district of Rize province, directly on the shore of the Black Sea.
The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant and opportunities for relaxation and wellness.
*Hotel services and amenities*
- First-line beachfront location
- Comfortable rooms
- Restaurant
- Turkish hammam — free
- Sauna — free
- Steam room — free
- Fitness center — free
- Shared SPA and relaxation areas — free
*🎉 December 31:* Dinner at the hotel, followed by our own music and entertainment program in a separate hall for our group only. With the hotel's permission, you may bring your own alcoholic beverages and snacks.
*♨️ January 1:* Free SPA relaxation at the hotel or the Ayder Plateau excursion, included in the price.
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## 💰 TOUR PRICE
*👤 Adult (DBL — per person in a double room): 14,900 TL*
*🛏️ Single room supplement: +2,800 TL*
*👦 Child aged 7 to 11.99 years: 10,900 TL*
*👧 Child aged 3 to 6.99 years: 6,900 TL*
*👶 Child aged 0 to 2.99 years: FREE*
For a child under 3, free travel is provided without a separate bus seat.
If a separate bus seat is required, an additional fee applies. If seats are available, the seat may be provided free of charge.
Child prices apply when staying in the same room with parents. Accommodation options and hotel rules for children are clarified at booking.
---
## ✅ INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
- Round-trip transport on a comfortable tourist bus
- 2 nights' accommodation at the 5★ Rize Babillon Hotel & Spa
- Traditional breakfast in Ziga on December 31
- 2 breakfasts at the hotel
- 2 dinners at the hotel
- A separate hall and our own New Year entertainment program for our group on December 31
- Free use of the hotel's shared SPA areas, hammam, sauna, steam room and fitness center
- Excursions provided in the program
- Visit to the Sumela Monastery area
- Excursion through the Fırtına Valley
- Visit to the Çınçiva arched bridge
- Zilkale Fortress and Çat Valley
- Palovit Waterfall or Elevit Plateau depending on weather and road conditions
- Visit to the Ayder Plateau
- Minibus transfers during the January 1 excursion
- Excursion to Uzungöl Lake
- Visit to the traditional knife workshop in Sürmene
- Visit to the tea factory
- Minibus transfers during visits in the Sürmene area
- Guide services throughout the tour
---
## ❌ NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
- Lunches and other meals not listed as included
- Beverages not included in the hotel meal plan
- Alcoholic beverages and snacks that guests bring for their own consumption at the New Year's Eve party
- Personal expenses
- Entrance tickets to museums, the monastery and historical sites
- Paid individual hotel services
- Additional services outside the program
---
## 📌 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
### 1. Booking and payment
Booking is confirmed after a deposit or full payment for the tour is made.
Until payment is received, a bus seat is not guaranteed.
The remaining balance and its due date are communicated at booking.
### 2. Conditions for children
A child's age is calculated as of the tour start date.
Children aged 0 to 2.99 travel free provided they stay with parents and do not require a separate bus seat.
If a separate bus seat is needed, an additional fee applies. If seats are available, the seat may be provided free of charge.
Prices for children aged 3 to 6.99 and 7 to 11.99 are calculated for sharing a room with parents.
Accommodation options are clarified at booking, taking into account room capacity and hotel rules.
### 3. Weather and road conditions
Since the tour takes place in winter, in the event of snowfall, icy roads, fog, landslides or road closures, the route may be changed.
When visiting Zilkale, Çat Valley, Palovit Waterfall and Elevit Plateau, participant safety is the top priority.
If necessary, alternative stops may be offered.
### 4. Visiting Sumela Monastery
The visit to the monastery depends on its official opening schedule, weather conditions and road conditions.
If the monastery is closed, a panoramic view or an alternative program may be offered.
### 5. Use of the hotel's SPA areas
Use of the shared SPA areas, Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room and fitness center is free of charge.
Opening hours and usage rules are determined by the hotel.
Special individual services may be paid separately.
### 6. Cancellation and refund conditions
- *If the tour is cancelled at the initiative of Caretta Turizm, the full tour price is refunded.*
- If the client cancels *no less than 7 days before departure, for payments made in cash, a **100% refund* is made.
- If the cancellation is *less than 7 days but no later than 96 hours before departure, for payments made in cash, **50% of the price* is refunded.
- If cancelled *less than 96 hours before departure, no refund is made.*
The cancellation request must be sent to the agency in writing, by email, or through another means of communication that allows the notice to be retained.
The cancellation period is calculated from the moment the agency receives the request.
*For cancellations initiated by the client for bookings paid by bank transfer or bank card, 20% is retained.*
### 7. Travel insurance
The agency's mandatory insurance does not replace comprehensive medical insurance.
Insurance coverage and conditions are determined by the relevant insurance policy.
### 8. Excursion program
The order of visits may change depending on weather conditions, road situation and traffic.
On January 1, participants may choose to relax at the hotel or take the nature excursion included in the tour price.
### 9. Return time
*Estimated arrival in Taşucu — January 3, 2027, Sunday, between 10:00 and 11:00.*
The exact arrival time depends on weather, road conditions, traffic and mandatory driver rest time.
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*🌿 Caretta Turizm — travel with us, discover the new!*
What's Included
✅ INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
- Round-trip transfer on a comfortable tourist bus
- 2 nights' accommodation at the 5★ Rize Babillon Hotel & Spa
- Traditional breakfast in Zigana on December 31
- 2 breakfasts at the hotel
- 2 dinners at the hotel
- A separate hall and our group's own New Year's entertainment program on December 31
- Free use of the hotel's common SPA areas, hammam, sauna, steam room and fitness center
- Excursions included in the program
- Visit to the Sumela Monastery area
- Excursion to the Fırtına Valley
- Visit to the Çinçiva arch bridge
- Zilkale Fortress and Çat Valley
- Palovit Waterfall or Elevit Plateau, depending on weather and road conditions
- Visit to the Ayder Plateau
- Minibus transfers during the excursion on January 1
- Excursion to Uzungöl Lake
- Visit to a traditional knife workshop in Sürmene
- Visit to a tea factory
- Minibus transfers during visits in the Sürmene area
- Guide services throughout the tour
Not Included
❌ NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
- Lunches and other meals not specified as included
- Beverages not included in the hotel meal plan
- Alcoholic beverages and snacks that guests bring for their own consumption at the New Year's Eve party
- Personal expenses
- Entrance tickets to museums, the monastery and historical sites
- Paid individual hotel services
- Additional services outside the program
General Information
📌 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
### 1. Booking and Payment
The booking is confirmed after a deposit or full payment of the tour is made.
Until payment is received, a seat on the bus is not guaranteed.
The amount of the remaining balance and the deadline for its payment are communicated at the time of booking.
### 2. Conditions for Children
A child's age is calculated as of the tour start date.
Children from 0 to 2.99 years travel free of charge when accommodated with parents and without a separate seat on the bus.
If a separate seat on the bus is required, an additional fee applies. If seats are available, the seat may be provided free of charge.
The prices for children aged 3 to 6.99 and 7 to 11.99 are calculated for accommodation with parents in the same room.
The possibility of accommodation is confirmed at the time of booking, taking into account room capacity and hotel rules.
### 3. Weather and Road Conditions
Since the tour takes place in winter, in the event of snowfall, icy conditions, fog, landslides or road closures, the route may be changed.
When visiting Zilkale, the Chat Valley, the Paloviti Waterfall and the Elevit Plateau, the safety of participants is the top priority.
If necessary, alternative stops may be offered.
### 4. Visit to Sumela Monastery
The visit to the monastery depends on its official opening hours, weather conditions and road conditions.
If the monastery is closed, a panoramic view or an alternative program is possible.
### 5. Use of the Hotel's SPA Areas
Use of the shared SPA areas, Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room and fitness center is free of charge.
Opening hours and usage rules are determined by the hotel.
Special individual services may be charged separately.
### 6. Booking Cancellation and Refund Conditions
- *If the tour is cancelled at the initiative of Caretta Turizm, the full tour price is refunded.*
- If the client cancels *no less than 7 days before departure, and the payment was made in cash, a **100% refund* of the cost is made.
- If the cancellation is made *less than 7 days but no later than 96 hours before departure, and the payment was made in cash, **50% of the cost* is refunded.
- If the cancellation is made *less than 96 hours before departure, no refund is made*.
The cancellation request must be sent to the agency in writing, by email, or through another method of communication that allows the notice to be retained.
The cancellation period is calculated from the moment the agency receives the request.
*In the case of cancellation at the client's initiative of a booking paid by bank transfer or bank card, 20% is withheld.*
### 7. Travel Insurance
The travel agency's mandatory insurance does not replace comprehensive medical insurance.
Insurance coverage and conditions are determined by the relevant insurance policy.
### 8. Excursion Program
The order of visiting sites may change depending on weather conditions, road situation and traffic conditions.
On January 1, participants may choose to relax at the hotel or take an excursion to natural attractions, included in the tour price.
### 9. Return Time
*The estimated arrival in Tashuja is January 3, 2027, Sunday, between 10:00 and 11:00.*
The exact arrival time depends on the weather, road conditions, traffic, and the mandatory rest time for drivers.
Departure Points
- Taşucu
- Silifke
- Atakent
- Tömük
- Çeşmeli
- Mezitli